Forum

[RobD]

Bit of a shot in the dark, but here goes...

Here's a link to a pic of my Mum when she was a Wren Dispatch Rider in 1941 - http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/2789/jwmd1941.jpg

I believe the bike is a model WD/CO made in about 1939, but can anyone confirm that for me? Also, anyone know of a surviving example?

[RobD]

[Alan R]

Hello ROB D ------ this is my friend Tim's 1938 Enfield (not sure if it's an Ex-WD) which is regularly in use during the Summer months---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Mark M]

Rob D, according to "British Forces Motorcycles 1925-45" (which you can take as the bible on the subject!) this is an early example of the WD/CO (the 350cc ohv model,) with many differences to later models and "more similar to the WD/L and WD/J2". Apparently the Navy took these bikes before the War Department generally adopted them. There are 2 batches listed, each of 50 machines and delivered to Chatham, Portsmouth, Devonport and Rosyth and RN stores at Preston between 22/3/41 and 15/7/41. Royal Enfield used shots of these Navy machines in publicity pictures at the time and the pic of your Gran does look quite posed!
REgards, Mark

[Mark M]

Sorry, that should have been "your Mum"!
REgards, Mark